Baking Safety

About flour

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued a reminder on the safe usages and proper handling of flour. It is important to note that flour is made from wheat that is minimally processed. Cookie dough or batter made with raw flour should not be consumed, and flour should not be considered a ready-to-eat product. It is an ingredient for baked, fried, and cooked products, and these heating processes ensure the safety of the flour with proper handling.

Flour safety tips

The following tips from PHAC outline steps to ensure the proper usage and handling of flour:

Do not taste raw dough or batter. Eating a small amount could make you sick.

Bake or cook items made with raw dough or batter before eating them.

Always use hot water and soap to wash any bowls, utensils, or surfaces that flour was used on.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching flour, raw dough or batter.

Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have become ill from eating raw dough or batter or from consuming or handling a flour product.